In my reading of Matthew today, Chapter 4 talks about Jesus' baptism and the beginning of his ministry. Verse 17 reads: From that day on Jesus began to preach, "repent, for the kingdom of heaven is near."
Interesting isn't it... he didn't wait for a celebration heralding his arrival... he didn't wait for someone to ask him to preach... he hadn't even gathered his disciples yet... he just "began to preach". And he didn't work his way into the message... he didn't dance around the issue, he just immediately began to tell the people to repent.
I think that there are many who could learn from this one verse... the time is short and we can't waste it by skirting the issues... we can't take the time to test the waters... we need people to understand that the kingdom of heaven is near, and no matter how that message is received, we need to make sure that it is given.In verse 18, he made a simple statement, Come and follow me, and I will make you fishers of men. The kingdom of heaven is near... are you ready for a little fishing? If not, what are you waiting for??
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